| rsquo;ve gotten to the point where you need some | | | | do besides relax and do whatever the nurses and |
| help with the IVF egg retrieval and embryo transfer | | | | doctors tell you. The sedative that you’re on |
| stage, that’s great. You’ve already | | | | will probably make you feel out of it, and you may |
| made a lot of choices up until now, and even though | | | | not remember the retrieval process very well, but |
| you feel like you have a long way to go, | | | | this is normal. |
| you’re halfway there! The egg retrieval and | | | | After the Egg Retrieval |
| embryo transfer is often an area where people need | | | | If you’re in pain, there are several options |
| IVF help because it is simply a little scary and | | | | available to you. Sometimes using a heating pad on |
| overwhelming. Hopefully these tips will give you the | | | | your belly helps, and, of course, you should take any |
| support you need. | | | | pain medications the doctor gives you if you need |
| Before the Egg Retrieval | | | | them. Also, simply take it easy for a day or so. Relax |
| Keeping all those medications straight and getting | | | | and let your body recuperate from what is a pretty |
| injections every day isn’t fun, and it can be | | | | traumatic experience. |
| really stressful. It’s important, though, that | | | | Also, focus on eating a healthy, low fat diet between |
| you do everything you can to stay relaxed and | | | | the retrieval and the transfer. Many studies have |
| happy. Whether this means taking a couple of yoga | | | | shown that a high fat diet can be bad for embryos. |
| classes, going for walks with your partner, or simply | | | | You can enjoy some comfort foods, but it might be |
| relaxing in the tub, you just need to do what works | | | | a good idea to stock your pantry with low fat, |
| for you. | | | | healthy options before your retrieval takes place. |
| It is important that before the retrieval you know | | | | Before the Transfer |
| how it’s all going to work. You’ll be | | | | The day of transfer is probably already scheduled at |
| sedated, so you probably won’t remember | | | | this point, but be sure that you know where and |
| the whole process, but if you know what’s | | | | when your doctor is going to contact you to tell you |
| going to happen before hand, you’re more | | | | about your eggs. If the retrieval went well, then this |
| likely to feel relaxed. Do some research online or in | | | | won’t be as big of a deal, but if it |
| books, and if you have questions, call the clinic a | | | | didn’t go so well, you’ll want to be |
| couple of days before retrieval to bring up any of | | | | somewhere that you can get away and relax for a |
| your concerns and questions and get them all taken | | | | bit. |
| care of. | | | | Also, it’s important that you have your clinic |
| Also, make sure that you have scheduled everything | | | | do a mock transfer at some point during your IVF |
| properly. You should have someone to drive you to | | | | process. This isn’t fun at all, but it helps your |
| and from the clinic, and you should probably take the | | | | doctor to know where your embryos need to go so |
| day after the retrieval off work because you may | | | | that the transfer can go more quickly and smoothly. |
| still be in pain. Some women feel no pain at all, but | | | | After the Transfer |
| it’s better to be prepared for this possibility. | | | | Different clinics have different protocols for lying still |
| During the Egg Retrieval | | | | after the transfer, but if you’re a fidgety sort |
| Be sure to check that your doctor and nurses know | | | | of person, bring some things to make this time more |
| about any allergies that you have, and if | | | | comfortable as well as some things — like a |
| you’re concerned about nausea, ask about | | | | book on CD or some music — to distract you. |
| taking an anti-nausea medication. You’ll | | | | If your partner can sit with you during this time, |
| probably be put on narcotic painkillers after the | | | | that’s even better. |
| retrieval, so make sure you’re okay with | | | | Again, you’ll want to monitor yourself for pain |
| whatever the clinic is planning to prescribe for you. | | | | and do what the doctor says to keep it under |
| At this point, there’s not a whole lot you can | | | | control. |